Researchers have developed a novel cancer treatment using a synthetic ‘mirror’ version of a key amino acid. The molecule, D-lysine, is chemically identical to the natural L-lysine that cells need to build proteins, but its reversed structure makes it indigestible to human cells. However, many aggressive cancers rely on a specific enzyme, lysine decarboxylase (LDC), which can mistakenly process this mirror molecule. When cancer cells consume D-lysine, the enzyme converts it into a toxic byproduct that halts protein production and starves the cancer cell. Crucially, healthy human cells lack significant amounts of LDC, so they are unaffected by the treatment, potentially offering a highly targeted therapy with minimal side effects. Early laboratory tests on cell cultures and mice with aggressive cancers like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma showed promising results in halting tumor growth. The research, published in Nature Cancer, represents a new approach in metabolic targeting and is advancing toward clinical trials. Read the full article at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311213453.htm